US20190315025A1 - A direct injection molding apparatus and a method of injection molding - Google Patents
A direct injection molding apparatus and a method of injection molding Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190315025A1 US20190315025A1 US16/466,556 US201716466556A US2019315025A1 US 20190315025 A1 US20190315025 A1 US 20190315025A1 US 201716466556 A US201716466556 A US 201716466556A US 2019315025 A1 US2019315025 A1 US 2019315025A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- injection
- molten material
- channel
- movable
- filling valve
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 40
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 18
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 184
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 184
- 239000012768 molten material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 61
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 238000010926 purge Methods 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 25
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 2
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/02—Transfer moulding, i.e. transferring the required volume of moulding material by a plunger from a "shot" cavity into a mould cavity
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C45/26—Moulds
- B29C45/27—Sprue channels ; Runner channels or runner nozzles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C45/76—Measuring, controlling or regulating
- B29C45/80—Measuring, controlling or regulating of relative position of mould parts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2945/00—Indexing scheme relating to injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould
- B29C2945/76—Measuring, controlling or regulating
- B29C2945/76494—Controlled parameter
- B29C2945/76568—Position
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2945/00—Indexing scheme relating to injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould
- B29C2945/76—Measuring, controlling or regulating
- B29C2945/76655—Location of control
- B29C2945/76658—Injection unit
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C45/46—Means for plasticising or homogenising the moulding material or forcing it into the mould
- B29C45/53—Means for plasticising or homogenising the moulding material or forcing it into the mould using injection ram or piston
Definitions
- the invention relates to an apparatus for injection molding, which apparatus comprises a mold cavity member having a mold cavity, a melt channel, an injection chamber and an injection gate having an injection gate hole.
- the invention relates to an apparatus or a system for direct injection molding, wherein molten material, e.g. plastic material, is gated directly into a mold cavity via an injection gate having an injection gate hole.
- molten material e.g. plastic material
- the invention relates to a method of injection molding.
- Apparatus for injection molding in particular direct injection molding, are known in various embodiments, which suffer from disadvantages such as regards complexity and lack of precision as regards the molding, in particular when a plurality of mold cavities is being supplied simultaneously from the same source of molten material, e.g. molten plastic material.
- the invention relates to an apparatus for injection molding, said apparatus comprising
- said apparatus further comprises a movable injection sleeve, wherein
- the apparatus for injection molding can be configured in a compact manner while providing the direct injection such that the molding can be performed in an efficient manner. Furthermore, it is possible by the invention to improve the quality of the molded components while performing the molding in a cost efficient manner.
- the balancing between molding cavities will be balanced and compression of the plastic material is minimized due to the injection chamber being close to the molding cavity.
- a more accurate filling as achieved by the invention will ensure a higher stability of dimensions between each molding cavity, e.g. resulting in higher quality of molded products.
- the injection process is moved from the injection molding machine to the mold, customized to part requirements which leads to a more precise filling.
- the impact of the invention is as well that the performance requirement of the injection molding machine will be lower.
- the temperature profile can be colder from the injection machine until the injection chamber as compared to traditional injection molding, it means that the resent time in the system can be prolonged without damage to the plastic material.
- the apparatus may be configured for transferring the molten material from the injection chamber to the mold cavity by controllably reducing the volume of the injection chamber.
- the injection can be performed in a straightforward and efficient manner.
- the injection chamber may be defined at least partly by said movable injection sleeve.
- said apparatus may be configured for controlling the volume of the injection chamber by axially moving said movable injection sleeve.
- the injection chamber and/or the melt channel may be heated.
- the apparatus may comprise an injection chamber body, which at least partly defines said injection chamber.
- the injection chamber can be defined in a straightforward manner, whereby a compact apparatus is facilitated.
- the apparatus may comprise a purge channel for transferring said molten material from said melt channel to said injection chamber, said purge channel being controllable by said movable filling valve.
- said apparatus may further comprise at least one injection channel that is controllable by said movable filling valve.
- said movable filling valve may be configured for controlling said purge channel and said at least one injection channel may be reciprocatable between a first position with said at least one injection channel closed and said purge channel open for flow of molten material to said injection chamber and a second position with said at least one injection channel open and said purge channel closed for flow of molten material to said injection chamber.
- said apparatus may be configured for transferring the molten material from the injection chamber via said at least one injection channel to the mold cavity with said movable filling valve positioned in said second position.
- the movable filling valve may comprise at least part of said melt channel, e.g. in the form of an inner channel, which is heated.
- the movable filling valve may further be configured with an inlet for receiving said molten material supplied from said source of molten material via a heated manifold having a manifold supply channel.
- the flow of molten material in said melt channel from said heated manifold to said inlet of the movable filling valve may be controllable by movement of the movable filling valve.
- the invention relates to a method of injection molding, the method using an apparatus comprising
- the apparatus for injection molding can be configured in a compact manner while providing the direct injection such that the molding can be performed in an efficient manner. Furthermore, it is possible by the method according to the invention to improve the quality of the molded components while performing the molding in a cost efficient manner.
- the balancing between molding cavities will be balanced and compression of the plastic material is minimized due to the injection chamber being close to the molding cavity.
- a more accurate filling as achieved by the method according to the invention will ensure a higher stability of dimensions between each molding cavity, e.g. resulting in higher quality of molded products.
- the injection process is moved from the injection molding machine to the mold, customized to part requirements which leads to a more precise filling.
- the impact of the invention is as well that the performance requirement of the injection molding machine will be lower.
- the temperature profile can be colder from the injection machine until the injection chamber as compared to traditional injection molding, it means that the resent time in the system can be prolonged without damage to the plastic material.
- the method may be embodied using an apparatus according to one or more of claims 1 - 13 .
- FIG. 1 is an example of an injection molding apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, seen in a perspective view,
- FIG. 2 shows a sectional view in a center plane of the injection molding apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 ,
- FIG. 3 is an enhanced part of the sectional view of FIG. 2 , indicating moving parts
- FIGS. 4 a - b show the injection molding apparatus as shown in FIG. 2 in a first molding step with FIG. 4 b showing the front part enlarged
- FIGS. 5 a - b correspond to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b , but in a second molding step during purging,
- FIGS. 6 a - b correspond to FIGS. 5 a and 5 b , but in a third molding step, when initiating the injection,
- FIGS. 7 a - b correspond to FIGS. 6 a and 6 b , but in a fourth molding step during injection
- FIGS. 8 a - b correspond to FIGS. 7 a and 7 b , but in a fifth step, where the injection molding apparatus ends the injection molding cycle.
- FIG. 1 An example of an injection molding apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1 in a perspective view.
- the injection molding apparatus 1 comprises a manifold 2 , to which is fixed molding components including a movable filling valve 6 , which passes the manifold 2 via guiding parts 26 for the movable filling valve 6 .
- the movable filling valve 6 is in operative connection with an injection chamber body 12 , a movable injection sleeve 10 and a mold cavity member 20 having a mold cavity 20 .
- the movable filling valve 6 as well as the injection chamber body 12 may comprise grooves 32 , which may be configured for receiving heating wires, i.e. for heating the respective components to facilitate the flow of molten material.
- FIG. 1 an inlet 33 to the manifold 2 is shown, e.g. an inlet for molten plastic material.
- a mold core (not shown in the figures) or the like may be configured to be positioned within the mold cavity member 20 , e.g. in order to define a cavity space in the shape of the component that it is desired to mold, as it will be apparent to a skilled person.
- FIG. 1 only one injection arrangement comprising e.g. a movable filling valve 6 , an injection chamber body 12 , a movable injection sleeve 10 and a mold cavity member 20 having a mold cavity 20 is shown in connection with the manifold 2 .
- a plurality of such arrangements may be arranged in connection with the manifold 2 , e.g. placed next to each other and arranged such that molten material is supplied to each of these arrangements from for example the same source.
- FIG. 2 shows a sectional view in a center plane of an example of an injection molding apparatus 1 essentially as shown and described in connection with FIG. 1 .
- the same parts as shown in FIG. 1 will be designated with the same reference numbers in the following.
- the manifold 2 comprises a manifold supply channel 4 , which is connected to the inlet 33 , to which molten material is supplied, e.g. pressed, from a source of molten material 40 as schematically shown in FIG. 2 .
- the movable filling valve 6 which passes the manifold 2 via the guiding parts 26 , is designed with an inner channel 8 , which leads to the front end of the movable valve rod 6 .
- the inner channel 8 is connected via a purge channel 18 , which is made in the injection chamber body 12 , to an injection chamber (not indicated in FIG. 2 ), which will be described in detail in connection with the following figures.
- the movable filling valve 6 passes through the movable injection sleeve 10 , which movable injection sleeve is at least partly received in the injection chamber body 12 . Furthermore, the movable filling valve 6 is at its front end configured to form valve means 14 to cooperate with parts of the mold cavity member 20 , e.g. in vicinity of an injection gate hole 24 designed for leading molten material into the mold cavity 22 as it will be explained in the following.
- FIG. 2 the flow route for molten material is indicated with broken lines, i.e. from the source 40 of molten material via the inlet 33 to the manifold supply channel 4 . Via this, the molten material flows into the inner channel 8 via an inlet 28 in the movable filling valve 6 . From here, the molten material flows to the front end of the movable filling valve 6 and via the purge channel 18 into the injection chamber (which will be described later on).
- FIG. 3 shows an enhanced part of the sectional view of FIG. 2 , e.g. the upper part, where moving parts of the injection molding apparatus are indicated.
- the movable injection sleeve 10 as well as the movable filling valve 6 are configured to be moved back and forth as shown with double-arrows.
- the purge channel 18 leads to the injection chamber 16 , which is an e.g. circumferential chamber defined at least partly by the movable filling valve 6 and the injection chamber body 12 as it will appear with greater clarity from other figures. It will be understood, though, that as the movable injection sleeve 10 is moved to the right in FIG. 3 , the volume of the injection chamber body 12 will increase and vice versa.
- the movement of the movable filling valve 6 will e.g. operate the valve means 14 and close/open the connection from the manifold supply channel 4 via the inlet 28 to the inner channel 8 of the movable filling valve 6 .
- the movement of the movable injection sleeve 10 and the movable filling valve 6 may as shown be effected by means of drive means 34 and 35 , respectively, that may be controlled by a shared control device 36 , e.g. on the basis of input variables 37 .
- the drive means 34 and 35 may for example be mechanically, electrically and/or hydraulically driven servo units or the like.
- FIGS. 4 a / 4 b to 8 a / 8 b where each of these figures shows the injection molding apparatus in a molding step and further shows the front part enlarged.
- FIGS. 4 a / 4 b to 8 a / 8 b where each of these figures shows the injection molding apparatus in a molding step and further shows the front part enlarged.
- FIGS. 4 a / 4 b to 8 a / 8 b show the injection molding apparatus in a molding step and further shows the front part enlarged.
- FIGS. 4 a / 4 b to 8 a / 8 b where each of these figures shows the injection molding apparatus in a molding step and further shows the front part enlarged.
- FIGS. 4 a / 4 b to 8 a / 8 b where each of these figures shows the injection molding apparatus in a molding step and further shows the front part enlarged.
- FIGS. 4 a / 4 b to 8 a / 8 b where each of these figures shows the injection molding
- FIG. 4 a the injection molding apparatus 1 is shown in a first molding step, where, as mentioned above, furthermore the front part of the injection molding apparatus 1 is shown in an enlarged form in FIG. 4 b.
- the movable injection sleeve 10 and the movable filling valve 6 are both positioned to the left in the figures.
- the molten material thus flows in the melt channel via the inlet 33 , the manifold supply channel 4 and the inlet 28 into the inner channel 8 in the movable filling valve 6 , which, as it will be understood, is closed at the rear end, i.e. to the right in FIG. 4 a .
- the molten material thus flows towards the front part of the movable filling valve 6 , where it via e.g. a transverse channel in the movable filling valve 6 and the purge channel 18 in the inner wall of the injection chamber body 12 enters the injection chamber 16 , which in FIGS.
- valve 4 a and 4 b has a minimal volume only, a least partly defined by the movable injection sleeve 10 . Since the movable filling valve 6 is positioned at its forward position, i.e. to the left in FIG. 4 b , the valve means 14 will close between the injection chamber 16 and the injection gate hole 24 that leads into the mold cavity 22 .
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b showing a second step during purging, the movable filling valve 6 is still positioned at its forward position, but the movable injection sleeve 10 is gradually being moved to the right in the figures, corresponding to the amount of molten material that enters the injection chamber 16 via the purge channel 18 .
- the movable injection sleeve 10 may as shown on FIG. 3 be driven by drive means 34 .
- the size/volume of the injection chamber 16 is adjusted to correspond to fit the size of the mold cavity, i.e. the volume of the component that it is desired to mold.
- the molding system e.g. the control device 36 , may control the system to enter the next step.
- FIGS. 6 a and 6 b This is shown in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b , where the injection of the molten material into the mold cavity 22 is initiated.
- the movable filling valve 6 is moved backwards, i.e. to the right in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b , controlled by e.g. the drive means 35 and the control device 36 .
- the valve means 14 will open between the injection chamber 16 and the injection gate hole 24 that leads into the mold cavity 22 , e.g. by opening an injection channel 30 that previous to this step has been closed towards e.g. a part of the mold cavity member.
- the purge channel is being closed as it can be seen in FIG. 6 b , meaning that the connection between the injection chamber 16 and the melt channel is now closed.
- the injection molding apparatus is ready to perform the injection of the molten material into the mold cavity 22 as it is shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b .
- the valve means 14 open between the injection chamber 16 and the injection gate hole 24
- the movable injection sleeve 10 is being moved forwards, i.e. to the left in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b , whereby the molten material from the injection chamber 16 is being pushed into the mold cavity 22 via the injection channel 30 and the injection gate hole 24 .
- the movable injection sleeve 10 is moved by the drive means 34 , controlled by the control device 36 , until it reaches an end position, where the injection chamber 16 has been emptied or essentially emptied.
- the purge channel 18 will again be open between the inner channel 8 and the injection chamber 16 and the movement of the movable filling valve 6 also means that the molten material can flow from the manifold supply channel 4 via the inlet 28 to the inner channel 8 , whereby the molten material can start entering the injection chamber 16 , corresponding to a gradual movement of the movable injection sleeve 10 .
- FIGS. 8 a and 8 b correspond to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b and that a complete injection molding cycle has been performed, including rejection of the molded component from mold cavity 20 and with initiation of molding of the next component.
- the movable injection sleeve 10 is adjustable as regards the position where it stops its movement rearwards, i.e. away from the mold cavity member 20 , such that the size/volume of the injection chamber 16 corresponds to the size of the mold cavity 22 .
- this stop position can be adjusted, when e.g. a new or larger type of component is to be molded. This can be effected via the control device 36 , for example via control parameters supplied to the control device 36 as input variables 37 .
- injection channel 30 it is noted that this may be designed as one or more channels that are made in the forward part of the movable filling valve 6 , e.g. as one or more axial channels that when the movable filling valve 6 is in its forward position is/are closed towards for example a part of the mold cavity member 20 , e.g. near the entry to the injection gate hole 24 .
- the movable injection sleeve 10 may as shown in the figures be a body that is configured to essentially surround the movable filling valve 6 , while being adapted to move at least partly within the injection chamber body 12 .
- it may be designed in various embodiments, shapes and variations. It is apparent that its inner shape may correspond to the outer shape of the movable filling valve 6 , e.g. in the form of a circular cylindrical body or any other cylindrical shape.
- grooves or the like may be present in the inner and/or outer surface of the movable injection sleeve 10 , e.g. guiding grooves or the like. Similarly, ridges or the like may be present instead or as well.
- the movable injection sleeve may be a body that does not entirely surround the movable filling valve 6 but may be e.g. axially cut to define a slot or the like, which may even extend the whole length of the movable injection sleeve.
- Other forms and variations are possible, which will be apparent to a skilled person.
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- Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
- Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for injection molding, said apparatus comprising -a mold cavity member (20) having a mold cavity (22), -a melt channel, -an injection chamber (16) and -an injection gate having an injection gate hole (24). The apparatus further comprises a movable injection sleeve (10) and furthermore -the melt channel is configured for providing a flow of molten material from a source of molten material to an injection chamber (16), -the apparatus (1) is configured for transferring the molten material from the injection chamber (16) to the mold cavity (22) via said injection gate hole (24), said injection gate being controllable by a forward part of a movable filling valve (6), and -the injection chamber (16) has a volume that is controllable by movement of the movable injection sleeve (10). The invention further relates to a method of injection molding.
Description
- The invention relates to an apparatus for injection molding, which apparatus comprises a mold cavity member having a mold cavity, a melt channel, an injection chamber and an injection gate having an injection gate hole.
- In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus or a system for direct injection molding, wherein molten material, e.g. plastic material, is gated directly into a mold cavity via an injection gate having an injection gate hole.
- Further, the invention relates to a method of injection molding.
- Apparatus for injection molding, in particular direct injection molding, are known in various embodiments, which suffer from disadvantages such as regards complexity and lack of precision as regards the molding, in particular when a plurality of mold cavities is being supplied simultaneously from the same source of molten material, e.g. molten plastic material.
- Thus, there is a need for improvements as regards the ability of being able to produce homogenous moldings and furthermore there is a need for providing more efficient molding apparatus.
- These and other objects are achievable by the invention as explained in further detail in the following.
- The invention relates to an apparatus for injection molding, said apparatus comprising
- a mold cavity member having a mold cavity,
- a melt channel,
- an injection chamber and
- an injection gate having an injection gate hole,
- wherein said apparatus further comprises a movable injection sleeve, wherein
-
- said melt channel is configured for providing a flow of molten material from a source of molten material to an injection chamber,
- said apparatus is configured for transferring the molten material from the injection chamber to the mold cavity via said injection gate hole, said injection gate being controllable by a forward part of a movable filling valve, and wherein
- said injection chamber has a volume that is controllable by movement of the movable injection sleeve.
- Hereby, it is achieved that the apparatus for injection molding can be configured in a compact manner while providing the direct injection such that the molding can be performed in an efficient manner. Furthermore, it is possible by the invention to improve the quality of the molded components while performing the molding in a cost efficient manner.
- By the invention the balancing between molding cavities will be balanced and compression of the plastic material is minimized due to the injection chamber being close to the molding cavity.
- Less compression of the plastic material will ensure a more homogeneous filling and indicial cavity pressure as the injection chamber is 1:1 in direct connection to the molding cavity.
- Furthermore, a more accurate filling as achieved by the invention will ensure a higher stability of dimensions between each molding cavity, e.g. resulting in higher quality of molded products.
- By the invention, the injection process is moved from the injection molding machine to the mold, customized to part requirements which leads to a more precise filling. The impact of the invention is as well that the performance requirement of the injection molding machine will be lower.
- Furthermore, it is achieved that since the temperature profile can be colder from the injection machine until the injection chamber as compared to traditional injection molding, it means that the resent time in the system can be prolonged without damage to the plastic material.
- According to an embodiment, the apparatus may be configured for transferring the molten material from the injection chamber to the mold cavity by controllably reducing the volume of the injection chamber.
- Hereby, the injection can be performed in a straightforward and efficient manner.
- According to an embodiment, the injection chamber may be defined at least partly by said movable injection sleeve.
- Hereby, a particular efficient and compact embodiment can be achieved.
- According to an embodiment, said apparatus may be configured for controlling the volume of the injection chamber by axially moving said movable injection sleeve.
- Hereby, a particular efficient and compact embodiment can be achieved.
- According to an embodiment, the injection chamber and/or the melt channel may be heated.
- According to an embodiment, the apparatus may comprise an injection chamber body, which at least partly defines said injection chamber.
- Hereby, it is achieved that the injection chamber can be defined in a straightforward manner, whereby a compact apparatus is facilitated.
- According to an embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a purge channel for transferring said molten material from said melt channel to said injection chamber, said purge channel being controllable by said movable filling valve.
- Hereby, it is achieved that the operating of the injection molding apparatus can be performed in a relatively simple and efficient manner.
- According to an embodiment, said apparatus may further comprise at least one injection channel that is controllable by said movable filling valve.
- Hereby, a further embodiment is achieved, which serves to facilitate an efficient molding process.
- According to an embodiment, said movable filling valve may be configured for controlling said purge channel and said at least one injection channel may be reciprocatable between a first position with said at least one injection channel closed and said purge channel open for flow of molten material to said injection chamber and a second position with said at least one injection channel open and said purge channel closed for flow of molten material to said injection chamber.
- Hereby, it is achieved that the operating of the injection molding apparatus can be performed in a relatively simple and efficient manner.
- According to an embodiment, said apparatus may be configured for transferring the molten material from the injection chamber via said at least one injection channel to the mold cavity with said movable filling valve positioned in said second position.
- According to an embodiment, the movable filling valve may comprise at least part of said melt channel, e.g. in the form of an inner channel, which is heated.
- Hereby, a compact and efficient manner of configuring the melt channel is achieved.
- According to an embodiment, the movable filling valve may further be configured with an inlet for receiving said molten material supplied from said source of molten material via a heated manifold having a manifold supply channel.
- According to an embodiment, the flow of molten material in said melt channel from said heated manifold to said inlet of the movable filling valve may be controllable by movement of the movable filling valve.
- Hereby, a relatively straightforward way of closing the melt channel is achieved.
- According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of injection molding, the method using an apparatus comprising
- a mold cavity member having a mold cavity,
- a melt channel,
- an injection chamber,
- an injection gate having an injection gate hole controllable by a movable filling valve,
- a movable injection sleeve and
- at least one injection channel,
- said method comprising the steps of
-
- providing a flow of molten material from a source of molten material to the injection chamber via the melt channel, the purged melt moving the movable injection sleeve to create a desired injection volume in the injection chamber while the at least one injection channel is closed by said movable filling valve,
- closing the flow of molten material from the source of molten material when an amount of molten material received in the injection chamber corresponds to the mold cavity,
- opening the injection gate hole,
- transferring the amount of molten material in the injection chamber through the at least one injection channel to the mold cavity via movement of said movable injection sleeve,
- closing the movable filling valve and
- resuming the flow of molten material from the source of molten material to the injection chamber via the melt channel.
- Hereby, a method is achieved whereby the apparatus for injection molding can be configured in a compact manner while providing the direct injection such that the molding can be performed in an efficient manner. Furthermore, it is possible by the method according to the invention to improve the quality of the molded components while performing the molding in a cost efficient manner.
- By the invention the balancing between molding cavities will be balanced and compression of the plastic material is minimized due to the injection chamber being close to the molding cavity.
- Less compression of the plastic material will ensure a more homogeneous filling and indicial cavity pressure as the injection chamber is 1:1 in direct connection to the molding cavity.
- Furthermore, a more accurate filling as achieved by the method according to the invention will ensure a higher stability of dimensions between each molding cavity, e.g. resulting in higher quality of molded products.
- By the invention, the injection process is moved from the injection molding machine to the mold, customized to part requirements which leads to a more precise filling. The impact of the invention is as well that the performance requirement of the injection molding machine will be lower.
- Furthermore, it is achieved that since the temperature profile can be colder from the injection machine until the injection chamber as compared to traditional injection molding, it means that the resent time in the system can be prolonged without damage to the plastic material.
- According to an embodiment, the method may be embodied using an apparatus according to one or more of claims 1-13.
- The invention will be explained in further detail below with reference to the figures of which
-
FIG. 1 is an example of an injection molding apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, seen in a perspective view, -
FIG. 2 shows a sectional view in a center plane of the injection molding apparatus as shown inFIG. 1 , -
FIG. 3 is an enhanced part of the sectional view ofFIG. 2 , indicating moving parts, -
FIGS. 4a-b show the injection molding apparatus as shown inFIG. 2 in a first molding step withFIG. 4b showing the front part enlarged, -
FIGS. 5a-b correspond toFIGS. 4a and 4b , but in a second molding step during purging, -
FIGS. 6a-b correspond toFIGS. 5a and 5b , but in a third molding step, when initiating the injection, -
FIGS. 7a-b correspond toFIGS. 6a and 6b , but in a fourth molding step during injection, and -
FIGS. 8a-b correspond toFIGS. 7a and 7b , but in a fifth step, where the injection molding apparatus ends the injection molding cycle. - An example of an
injection molding apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown inFIG. 1 in a perspective view. Theinjection molding apparatus 1 comprises amanifold 2, to which is fixed molding components including amovable filling valve 6, which passes themanifold 2 via guidingparts 26 for themovable filling valve 6. Themovable filling valve 6 is in operative connection with aninjection chamber body 12, amovable injection sleeve 10 and amold cavity member 20 having amold cavity 20. As indicated inFIG. 1 , themovable filling valve 6 as well as theinjection chamber body 12 may comprisegrooves 32, which may be configured for receiving heating wires, i.e. for heating the respective components to facilitate the flow of molten material. In this respect it is noted that other parts, such as e.g. themanifold 2 may be heated as well, which will be apparent to a skilled person. Furthermore, inFIG. 1 aninlet 33 to themanifold 2 is shown, e.g. an inlet for molten plastic material. - It is noted that a mold core (not shown in the figures) or the like may be configured to be positioned within the
mold cavity member 20, e.g. in order to define a cavity space in the shape of the component that it is desired to mold, as it will be apparent to a skilled person. - Furthermore, in
FIG. 1 only one injection arrangement comprising e.g. amovable filling valve 6, aninjection chamber body 12, amovable injection sleeve 10 and amold cavity member 20 having amold cavity 20 is shown in connection with themanifold 2. However, a plurality of such arrangements may be arranged in connection with themanifold 2, e.g. placed next to each other and arranged such that molten material is supplied to each of these arrangements from for example the same source. -
FIG. 2 shows a sectional view in a center plane of an example of aninjection molding apparatus 1 essentially as shown and described in connection withFIG. 1 . The same parts as shown inFIG. 1 will be designated with the same reference numbers in the following. - Thus, it is shown in
FIG. 2 that themanifold 2 comprises amanifold supply channel 4, which is connected to theinlet 33, to which molten material is supplied, e.g. pressed, from a source ofmolten material 40 as schematically shown inFIG. 2 . Themovable filling valve 6, which passes themanifold 2 via the guidingparts 26, is designed with aninner channel 8, which leads to the front end of themovable valve rod 6. Here, theinner channel 8 is connected via apurge channel 18, which is made in theinjection chamber body 12, to an injection chamber (not indicated inFIG. 2 ), which will be described in detail in connection with the following figures. - Further, it is shown in
FIG. 2 that themovable filling valve 6 passes through themovable injection sleeve 10, which movable injection sleeve is at least partly received in theinjection chamber body 12. Furthermore, themovable filling valve 6 is at its front end configured to form valve means 14 to cooperate with parts of themold cavity member 20, e.g. in vicinity of aninjection gate hole 24 designed for leading molten material into themold cavity 22 as it will be explained in the following. - In
FIG. 2 the flow route for molten material is indicated with broken lines, i.e. from thesource 40 of molten material via theinlet 33 to themanifold supply channel 4. Via this, the molten material flows into theinner channel 8 via aninlet 28 in themovable filling valve 6. From here, the molten material flows to the front end of themovable filling valve 6 and via thepurge channel 18 into the injection chamber (which will be described later on). -
FIG. 3 shows an enhanced part of the sectional view ofFIG. 2 , e.g. the upper part, where moving parts of the injection molding apparatus are indicated. Thus, it is indicated here that themovable injection sleeve 10 as well as themovable filling valve 6 are configured to be moved back and forth as shown with double-arrows. Further, it is shown that thepurge channel 18 leads to theinjection chamber 16, which is an e.g. circumferential chamber defined at least partly by themovable filling valve 6 and theinjection chamber body 12 as it will appear with greater clarity from other figures. It will be understood, though, that as themovable injection sleeve 10 is moved to the right inFIG. 3 , the volume of theinjection chamber body 12 will increase and vice versa. - As it further appears from
FIG. 3 , the movement of themovable filling valve 6 will e.g. operate the valve means 14 and close/open the connection from themanifold supply channel 4 via theinlet 28 to theinner channel 8 of themovable filling valve 6. - The movement of the
movable injection sleeve 10 and themovable filling valve 6 may as shown be effected by means of drive means 34 and 35, respectively, that may be controlled by a sharedcontrol device 36, e.g. on the basis ofinput variables 37. - The drive means 34 and 35 may for example be mechanically, electrically and/or hydraulically driven servo units or the like.
- In the following an example of the functioning of an
injection molding apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference toFIGS. 4a /4 b to 8 a/8 b, where each of these figures shows the injection molding apparatus in a molding step and further shows the front part enlarged. Thus, these figures represent five consecutive steps in an injection molding cycle. - In
FIG. 4a theinjection molding apparatus 1 is shown in a first molding step, where, as mentioned above, furthermore the front part of theinjection molding apparatus 1 is shown in an enlarged form inFIG. 4 b. - Here, the
movable injection sleeve 10 and themovable filling valve 6 are both positioned to the left in the figures. The molten material thus flows in the melt channel via theinlet 33, themanifold supply channel 4 and theinlet 28 into theinner channel 8 in themovable filling valve 6, which, as it will be understood, is closed at the rear end, i.e. to the right inFIG. 4a . The molten material thus flows towards the front part of themovable filling valve 6, where it via e.g. a transverse channel in themovable filling valve 6 and thepurge channel 18 in the inner wall of theinjection chamber body 12 enters theinjection chamber 16, which inFIGS. 4a and 4b has a minimal volume only, a least partly defined by themovable injection sleeve 10. Since themovable filling valve 6 is positioned at its forward position, i.e. to the left inFIG. 4b , the valve means 14 will close between theinjection chamber 16 and theinjection gate hole 24 that leads into themold cavity 22. - In
FIGS. 5a and 5b , showing a second step during purging, themovable filling valve 6 is still positioned at its forward position, but themovable injection sleeve 10 is gradually being moved to the right in the figures, corresponding to the amount of molten material that enters theinjection chamber 16 via thepurge channel 18. Themovable injection sleeve 10 may as shown onFIG. 3 be driven by drive means 34. The size/volume of theinjection chamber 16 is adjusted to correspond to fit the size of the mold cavity, i.e. the volume of the component that it is desired to mold. When themovable injection sleeve 10 has been moved to such an extent that the size/volume of theinjection chamber 16 corresponds to the size of themold cavity 22, the molding system, e.g. thecontrol device 36, may control the system to enter the next step. - This is shown in
FIGS. 6a and 6b , where the injection of the molten material into themold cavity 22 is initiated. Themovable filling valve 6 is moved backwards, i.e. to the right inFIGS. 6a and 6b , controlled by e.g. the drive means 35 and thecontrol device 36. Thus, the valve means 14 will open between theinjection chamber 16 and theinjection gate hole 24 that leads into themold cavity 22, e.g. by opening aninjection channel 30 that previous to this step has been closed towards e.g. a part of the mold cavity member. Further, by the movement of themovable filling valve 6, the purge channel is being closed as it can be seen inFIG. 6b , meaning that the connection between theinjection chamber 16 and the melt channel is now closed. - Thus, the injection molding apparatus is ready to perform the injection of the molten material into the
mold cavity 22 as it is shown inFIGS. 7a and 7b . Here, with the valve means 14 open between theinjection chamber 16 and theinjection gate hole 24, themovable injection sleeve 10 is being moved forwards, i.e. to the left inFIGS. 7a and 7b , whereby the molten material from theinjection chamber 16 is being pushed into themold cavity 22 via theinjection channel 30 and theinjection gate hole 24. Themovable injection sleeve 10 is moved by the drive means 34, controlled by thecontrol device 36, until it reaches an end position, where theinjection chamber 16 has been emptied or essentially emptied. - Hereafter, the last step in the cycle is being performed, as it will be exemplified with reference to
FIGS. 8a and 8b . Themovable filling valve 6 is being moved forward again, i.e. to the left inFIGS. 8a and 8b , whereby the valve means 14 will close between theinjection chamber 16 and theinjection gate hole 24. Further, thepurge channel 18 will again be open between theinner channel 8 and theinjection chamber 16 and the movement of themovable filling valve 6 also means that the molten material can flow from themanifold supply channel 4 via theinlet 28 to theinner channel 8, whereby the molten material can start entering theinjection chamber 16, corresponding to a gradual movement of themovable injection sleeve 10. - It is noted that
FIGS. 8a and 8b correspond toFIGS. 4a and 4b and that a complete injection molding cycle has been performed, including rejection of the molded component frommold cavity 20 and with initiation of molding of the next component. - Further, it is noted that as indicated above the
movable injection sleeve 10 is adjustable as regards the position where it stops its movement rearwards, i.e. away from themold cavity member 20, such that the size/volume of theinjection chamber 16 corresponds to the size of themold cavity 22. Thus, it will be understood that this stop position can be adjusted, when e.g. a new or larger type of component is to be molded. This can be effected via thecontrol device 36, for example via control parameters supplied to thecontrol device 36 asinput variables 37. - As regards the
injection channel 30 it is noted that this may be designed as one or more channels that are made in the forward part of themovable filling valve 6, e.g. as one or more axial channels that when themovable filling valve 6 is in its forward position is/are closed towards for example a part of themold cavity member 20, e.g. near the entry to theinjection gate hole 24. - The
movable injection sleeve 10 may as shown in the figures be a body that is configured to essentially surround themovable filling valve 6, while being adapted to move at least partly within theinjection chamber body 12. However, it will be understood that it may be designed in various embodiments, shapes and variations. It is apparent that its inner shape may correspond to the outer shape of themovable filling valve 6, e.g. in the form of a circular cylindrical body or any other cylindrical shape. Also, grooves or the like may be present in the inner and/or outer surface of themovable injection sleeve 10, e.g. guiding grooves or the like. Similarly, ridges or the like may be present instead or as well. Also, it will be understood that the movable injection sleeve may be a body that does not entirely surround themovable filling valve 6 but may be e.g. axially cut to define a slot or the like, which may even extend the whole length of the movable injection sleeve. Other forms and variations are possible, which will be apparent to a skilled person. - In the above description, various embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to the drawings, but it is apparent for a person skilled within the art that the invention can be carried out in an infinite number of ways, using e.g. the examples disclosed in the description in various combinations, and within a wide range of variations within the scope of the appended claims.
- 1 Apparatus for injection molding
- 2 Manifold
- 4 Manifold supply channel
- 6 Movable filling valve
- 8 Inner channel in movable filling valve
- 10 Movable injection sleeve
- 12 Injection chamber body
- 14 Valve means
- 16 Injection chamber
- 18 Purge channel
- 20 Mold cavity member
- 22 Mold cavity
- 24 Injection gate hole
- 26 Guiding part for movable valve rod
- 28 Inlet to movable filling valve, e.g. to inner channel
- 30 Injection channel
- 32 Groove, e.g. for heating component
- 33 Inlet to manifold
- 34 Drive means for movable injection sleeve
- 36 Drive means for movable filling valve
- 37 Control device for drive means
- 38 Input variables to control device
- 40 Source of molten material
Claims (15)
1. An apparatus for injection molding, said apparatus comprising
a mold cavity member having a mold cavity,
a melt channel,
an injection chamber and
an injection gate having an injection gate hole,
wherein said apparatus further comprises a movable injection sleeve, wherein
said melt channel is configured for providing a flow of molten material from a source of molten material to the injection chamber,
said apparatus is configured for transferring the molten material from the injection chamber to the mold cavity via said injection gate hole, said injection gate being controllable by a forward part of a movable filling valve, and wherein
said injection chamber has a volume that is controllable by movement of the movable injection sleeve.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured for transferring the molten material from the injection chamber to the mold cavity by controllably reducing the volume of the injection chamber.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said injection chamber is defined at least partly by said movable injection sleeve.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein said apparatus is configured for controlling the volume of the injection chamber by axially moving said movable injection sleeve.
5. The apparatus according to claims 1 -4 , wherein said injection chamber and/or said melt channel is heated.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said apparatus comprises an injection chamber body, which at least partly defines said injection chamber.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said apparatus comprises a purge channel for transferring said molten material from said melt channel to said injection chamber, said purge channel being controllable by said movable filling valve.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said apparatus further comprises at least one injection channel that is controllable by said movable filling valve.
9. The apparatus according to claims 7 , wherein said movable filling valve configured for controlling said purge channel and said at least one injection channel is reciprocatable between a first position with said at least one injection channel closed and said purge channel open for flow of molten material to said injection chamber and a second position with said at least one injection channel open and said purge channel closed for flow of molten material to said injection chamber.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the apparatus is configured for transferring the molten material from the injection chamber via said at least one injection channel to the mold cavity with said movable filling valve positioned in said second position.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said movable filling valve comprises at least part of said melt channel, e.g. in the form of an inner channel, which is heated.
12. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said movable filling valve is further configured with an inlet for receiving said molten material supplied from said source of molten material via a heated manifold having a manifold supply channel.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the flow of molten material in said melt channel from said heated manifold to said inlet of the movable filling valve is controllable by movement of the movable filling valve.
14. A method of injection molding, the method using an apparatus comprising
a mold cavity member having a mold cavity,
a melt channel,
an injection chamber,
an injection gate having an injection gate hole controllable by a movable filling valve
a movable injection sleeve and
at least one injection channel,
said method comprising the steps of
providing a flow of molten material from a source of molten material to the injection chamber via the melt channel, the purged melt moving the movable injection sleeve to create a desired injection volume in the injection chamber while the at least one injection channel is closed by said movable filling valve,
closing the flow of molten material from the source of molten material when an amount of molten material received in the injection chamber corresponds to the mold cavity,
opening the injection gate hole,
transferring the amount of molten material in the injection chamber through the at least one injection channel to the mold cavity via movement of said movable injection sleeve,
closing the movable filling valve and
resuming the flow of molten material from the source of molten material to the injection chamber via the melt channel.
15. The method according to claim 14 , said method using an apparatus according to claim 1 .
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP16202893.0 | 2016-12-08 | ||
EP16202893.0A EP3332939B1 (en) | 2016-12-08 | 2016-12-08 | A direct injection molding apparatus and a method of injection molding |
PCT/DK2017/050416 WO2018103810A1 (en) | 2016-12-08 | 2017-12-07 | A direct injection molding apparatus and a method of injection molding |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20190315025A1 true US20190315025A1 (en) | 2019-10-17 |
Family
ID=57530566
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/466,556 Abandoned US20190315025A1 (en) | 2016-12-08 | 2017-12-07 | A direct injection molding apparatus and a method of injection molding |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20190315025A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3332939B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2018103810A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3319297A (en) * | 1964-07-17 | 1967-05-16 | Goodrich Co B F | Injection molding machine |
JPS61114830A (en) * | 1984-11-09 | 1986-06-02 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Runnerless mold |
JP3268268B2 (en) * | 1998-05-26 | 2002-03-25 | 幸久 長子 | Automatic hot water injection system |
DE10325260A1 (en) * | 2003-06-03 | 2004-12-30 | Gauss, Ralph | Plastic injection unit through double needle |
-
2016
- 2016-12-08 EP EP16202893.0A patent/EP3332939B1/en not_active Not-in-force
-
2017
- 2017-12-07 WO PCT/DK2017/050416 patent/WO2018103810A1/en active Application Filing
- 2017-12-07 US US16/466,556 patent/US20190315025A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2018103810A1 (en) | 2018-06-14 |
EP3332939B1 (en) | 2019-08-07 |
EP3332939A1 (en) | 2018-06-13 |
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